Alexander Isak injury update as Newcastle sweat on striker ahead of Brighton visit in FA Cup | OneFootball

The striker missed the loss at Liverpool with a groin injury

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Eddie Howe remains unsure if Alexander Isak will be fit for Newcastle's FA Cup clash with Brighton.

Newcastle lost the game 2-0 as Liverpool moved 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, in what was a dress rehearsal for next month's Carabao Cup final.

Isak, who has scored 19 goals in 24 league games this season, would be a huge miss as the Magpies look to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals.

"We'll see today," Howe said. "I haven't seen him since the game, so we'll see how he is today and have a discussion with him I'm sure. We don't think it's a long-term problem.

"In part obviously there was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can't be at this stage of the season."

He added: "There's always a risk with any player - even if they're 100% fit, that's the world that we're in, but we wouldn't take any risks on his long-term fitness. But we'll see how he is today."

Howe was more upbeat on the fitness of Svet Botman, who also missed the loss at Liverpool, and Joelinton, who has been a long-term absentee.

"They have a chance. I'd say again today is a big day for them really because I think we'll see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not - but knowing both players they'll be very keen to be involved as long as their respective injuries feel good."